So finally to Asia soon

[emily_in_nc]

Sounds like an interesting trip! I spent 2.5 weeks in Tokyo for business in 2000, and I did not see people riding bicycles on sidewalks. I saw LOTS of bicycles on the roads and parked everywhere. Lots of workers commuting to their jobs via bikes, which I thought was great. My manager and I walked to work every day. It may depend on the part of the city, but it appeared bike friendly to me. That said, I would not want to bother taking my own bike unless I had a folder that could pack in its own suitcase, like a Bike Friday (which I just happen to have ). For me, it would not be worth the hassle, risk, or extra cost to pack a non-folding bike unless I were traveling abroad for months.

Have fun!

[shootingstar]

Sounds like an interesting trip! I spent 2.5 weeks in Tokyo for business in 2000, and I did not see people riding bicycles on sidewalks. I saw LOTS of bicycles on the roads and parked everywhere. Lots of workers commuting to their jobs via bikes, which I thought was great. My manager and I walked to work every day. It may depend on the part of the city, but it appeared bike friendly to me. That said, I would not want to bother taking my own bike unless I had a folder that could pack in its own suitcase, like a Bike Friday (which I just happen to have ). For me, it would not be worth the hassle, risk, or extra cost to pack a non-folding bike unless I were traveling abroad for months.

Have fun!

For sure, the thought of cycling in Tokyo without some lengthy protective infrastructure, turns me off. Especially in a foreign country...in case something happens.
He's buying a BikeFriday folding bike next month. This is to replace a much older, well used Dahon bike.

I've never been to Asia.